 5 Questions With...
Constance Kihm '95
TAP Chairperson
Q: You have been chair of the TAP program for 6 years, what differences do you anticipate for this upcoming legislative session?
A: The budget will be a top priority this year, which makes it more important than ever for alumni to advocate for the advancement of their alma matter.
Q: What is your request of TU alumni during the session?
A: I encourage alumni to follow the issues in the legislature that affect higher education initiatives. Stay informed through the TAP newsletter and be prepared to call, write, email and even visit your elected officials on matters that you believe in and that affect your alma mater.
Q: Why is it important that Towson University alumni advocate?
A: Towson University alumni are uniquely qualified to personalize the Towson story and help policy-makers focus on critically important long-term issues for improving higher education in Maryland. Legislators face many short-term pressures as issues arise and vie for their attention. They need your input, as their constituency, to recognize the critical need of sustainable higher education and the role Towson University plays in providing an educated work force for the state.
Q: How can alumni stay involved with the legislators after the session?
A: It is extremely important to stay engaged in your local district. Attend town meetings and local community events if possible and get to know your elected officials, which is especially vital in the upcoming election year.
Q: Why are you involved with Towson's TAP program?
A: It is extremely important that Towson University receive its fair share of the state's higher education budget. Towson has been underfunded for many years and I have pledged my efforts and talents to insure that condition is reversed. In the long run, everyone benefits - the University, the Alumni, and the State of Maryland.
Culminating the 2010 Plan
As a result of focusing our efforts over the past six years on initiatives that support the 23 goals of the Towson University 2010 strategic plan, Towson University repeatedly received national attention for our value, academic quality, and outreach. Some of the highlights include: a U.S. News and World Report ranking TU in the top eight among master's institutions in the North; a 2009 Princeton Review top 50 Best Value public institution; a 2008 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Honoree; a 2008 Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification for Curricular Engagement, Outreach, and Partnerships; a Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine top 100 best value among public colleges; a 2010 GI Jobs magazine designation as a Military-Friendly School, to name a few.
2010 Plan | Report Card | Guiding Principles
New in the News 
Read up on the latest higher education issues that have appeared in the news recently:
 Legislative Bills
The following bills have been introduced to the legislature recently:
- HB 16 Sales and Use Tax - Exemption - University and College Textbooks. Assigned to Ways and Means. Hearing 2/3/10.
- HB 151 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2010. Assigned to Appropriations.
- HB 155 Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award - Qualifications - Study Abroad Programs. Assigned to House Ways and Means
- HB 183 Creation of State Debt - Montgomery County - National Labor College Academic Services Building. Assigned to Appropriations.
- HB 188 Department of Juvenile Services Employees - Required Education. Assigned to Judiciary Committee.
- HB 209 General Obligation Bonds for Capital Projects - Required Reports. Assigned to Health and Government Operations.
- SB 80 Maryland Higher Education Commission - Office of Student Financial Assistance. Assigned to Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs.
- SB 91 Maryland Higher Education Commission - Exempt Institutions. Assigned to Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs
- SB 141 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2010. Assigned to Senate Budget and Taxation.
- SB 203 Family Education Savings Account Act - Subtraction Modification for Contributions. Assigned to Senate Budget and Taxation.
- SB 191 Weapon-Free Higher Education Zones. Assigned to Senate Judicial Proceedings.
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